We recently caught up with a very busy Julia Olson of United Dumplings.
Please tell us about your background and what inspired you to start your dumpling shop.
Growing up in northern China, dumplings were more than just a dish to my partner Sandy and me – they were a treasured tradition that evoked a sense of warmth and togetherness. Every Chinese New Year, our family would gather around the kitchen table, eagerly awaiting the dumpling feast. Grandma would meticulously prepare the fillings, my grandpa skillfully rolled out the wrappers, and my aunt deftly wrapped the dumplings. Then, as a child, we would watch in awe as they worked together in perfect harmony, filling the room with the comforting aroma of steaming dumplings.
Those moments remain etched in my memory as a symbol of the love and unity that defined our family. It was a time when we set aside our differences and came together to celebrate our shared heritage and values. The kitchen’s warmth, the laughter and chatter of my loved ones, and the mouth-watering scent of dumplings on the stove all added to a magical experience I will always cherish.
That’s why, years later, my friend Sandy and I decided to open United Dumplings. We wanted to share the same romantic and nostalgic feeling with others and create a space where people could come together and make beautiful memories. So with every dumpling we serve, we hope to evoke the same warmth, love, and togetherness we experienced around our family kitchen table.
How did you go about sourcing the ingredients for your dumplings, and what factors did you consider when choosing suppliers?
With over a decade of experience in the restaurant business, my partner Sandy and I have learned the importance of using only the finest, freshest ingredients in our dishes. That’s why we have carefully curated a list of trusted suppliers for all our fresh ingredients. Our restaurant strives to create a romantic atmosphere that transports our customers to a world of sensory delight. The aroma of freshly-cooked dishes, the delicate textures, and the perfect blend of spices and flavors – it’s all part of the experience we aim to deliver. Every dish we serve reflects our passion and commitment to quality. When our customers take that first bite, we want them to feel the love and care that went into every ingredient, every flavor, and every moment of their dining experience.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in running your own business, and how have you overcome them?
Opening a restaurant is never easy, but opening one during a pandemic was challenging. So in October 2020, my partner and I took a leap of faith and opened our first location in Cortland, determined to bring our vision of United Dumplings to life. The pandemic had already changed everything in the restaurant industry – indoor dining was out of the question, occupancy levels were reduced, and hiring was a struggle as fear and uncertainty swept the nation. But we were undeterred. We knew that if we wanted to survive, we had to adapt quickly.
In the face of adversity, we learned the true meaning of resilience. We learned to adapt to changing circumstances and think creatively to overcome obstacles. These skills will serve us well as restaurateurs, and we’re grateful for the experience.
What steps do you take to keep your menu fresh and exciting?
At our restaurant, we believe food should be a journey of discovery – a way to explore new flavors and experiences with every bite. That’s why we’ve created a menu that’s as diverse and interesting as the people who come to dine with us.
Of course, we have your classic grandma’s dumplings – the kind that brings back childhood memories and the comforting flavors of home.
But we’ve also drawn inspiration from our immigrant roots and the vibrant melting pot of California.
Our Korean BBQ Bulgogi dumplings are a nod to Korea’s bold, fiery flavors. At the same time, our Mission potstickers pay homage to the local ingredients and tastes of our community at Mission. We’re constantly experimenting with new ingredients and flavor combinations, looking for ways to surprise and delight our customers with something unexpected.
But our commitment to travel and exploration is what truly sets us apart. My partner and I embark on a new adventure yearly, seeking out new cuisines and culinary experiences worldwide. As a result, we’re constantly inspired by the different ways that spices and seasonings come together, and we bring that sense of curiosity and wonder back to our restaurant.
So join us on a culinary journey – one that’s filled with unexpected twists and turns, vibrant flavors and textures, and the joy of discovery with every bite.
How many locations do you have?
We have three locations.
- Bernal Location: 525 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
- Marina Location: 2015 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA
- Rockridge Location: 6247 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
What are the most famous dumpling varieties on your menu?
The vegetarian dumplings are the most popular in our Bernal location.
It’s a dish we’re incredibly proud of, not just because it’s delicious but because it represents a triumph over tradition and convention. Vegetarian dumplings aren’t typically well-regarded in Chinese culture – they’re often seen as bland or uninspired. But we knew that we could do better, and with the help of my mother-in-law – a seventh-generation vegetarian – we set out to create a dish that would challenge those stereotypes. It took three updates to the recipe, but we finally found the perfect balance of flavors and textures. As a result, our vegetarian dumplings are the most popular item on the menu – a testament to our commitment to innovation and creativity.
But that’s not all we’re known for. We also have classics like grandma’s pork dumplings, bursting with savory flavor and made with love. Our Korean BBQ dumplings are a fiery fusion of Asian flavors, while our Spicy wontons in red oil are a mouth-watering flavor explosion. And let’s not forget the Mission Chicken pot stickers, crispy and golden-brown on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.
We honor Chinese cuisine’s rich history and traditions with every dumpling we serve while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
What do you do when you’re not making dumplings?
When we’re not busy cooking up a storm at the restaurant, my partner Sandy and I are constantly on the go! With two rambunctious sons and three cute daughters between us, our lives are never boring. You can usually find us shuttling the kids to soccer and baseball games, hosting playdates, and trying to sneak in some quality time at the playground. But that’s not all – we’re always up for an adventure!
When winter rolls around, we pack up the car and hit the slopes in Tahoe for family skiing fun. And when we’re not hitting the slopes, we love to explore the vibrant neighborhoods of San Francisco and try out new restaurants and cuisines.
Life may be hectic, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re just grateful to have such a wonderful and supportive family to share it with!